Our journey to sustainable business practices: a guide to positive impact
Businesses play a crucial role in creating a sustainable future. Our journey towards sustainable business practices is an ongoing journey of discovery. We are convinced that even small changes can have a huge impact. We are therefore determined to do our bit for a greener planet. So, sit back, relax and discover how sustainability is woven into our daily work and lives.
A simple start to a big change
Our philosophy is based on the awareness that we must work together to create a liveable world, and that starts with the choices we make in our daily lives. Reducing commuting, making efficient use of meetings and taking a conscious approach to our paper consumption are the cornerstones of our sustainable vision. Sustainable business practices are a state of mind; the rest will follow naturally.
Commuting: balance in motion
Finding the right balance between focus days and working from home is one of the secrets behind our sustainable approach. We make optimal use of meeting software and online collaboration tools to minimise unnecessary travel. In addition, we prefer environmentally friendly transport options such as public transport or (electric) bicycles. Promoting train travel and the use of hybrid and electric vehicles reinforces our commitment to a more sustainable rhythm of mobility and working.
Food with a green touch
comma has also considered how we approach food. We encourage the use of local food during lunch. Our own apple juice and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden contribute to healthy and sustainable food choices. Leftover scraps find a second life as compost, which is then used in our diverse garden. Every week, we provide delicious soup for our dream team, because healthy eating also reflects our commitment to well-being. The use of reusable Dopper water bottles not only reduces waste, but also our ecological footprint.
From paper to digital
The concept of a ‘paperless’ virtual office is not a utopia. We have fully digitised our business communications and virtually all information is activated on our own servers. If we really do need to print something, we do so double-sided and in black and white.
Energy and waste: our secrets to success
Energy saving is something we take seriously. We ensure that appliances are switched off when not in use and make use of energy-efficient spaces. Natural light and smart cooling help us to save energy. Our efforts also extend to waste management. We use reusable materials, reduce packaging and recycle like a boss. We give electronic waste a new lease of life by repairing or upcycling it.
Smarter purchasing: cheaper and sustainable
We make informed choices when purchasing new materials. For example, we assess energy labels and consult with those responsible to avoid unnecessary purchases. The use of non-toxic cleaning products, environmentally friendly ink and recycled office supplies underlines our commitment to a greener future.
Outlined policy
Sustainability starts at the top, and policy documents form the backbone of our sustainable initiatives. Our Environmental Policy Statement emphasises our commitment to positive impact, sustainable products, innovation, awareness and continuous improvement. With our Company-wide Recovery and Recycling Programme, we demonstrate how waste prevention, reuse and recycling can make a tangible contribution to protecting our environment.
We also extend these internal efforts to external projects that focus on sustainability, including:
• Oceans are rising, so get informed
• Satemwa
• Care India
• Volunteering in Malawi and supporting local projects emphasise our commitment to global sustainability.
We hope that our experiences have inspired you to embrace sustainability too, whether you are a small business or a large corporation. Together, we can create a greener and more beautiful world for ourselves and future generations.
